The DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program is an annual program that offers a unique research opportunity for current students and recent graduates from STEM and DoD-relevant disciplines at HBCUs and MIs. By providing a vital link between academic learning and practical application, the program aims to cultivate a diverse pool of minority scientists and engineers who may pursue careers within the DoD. During the internship, participants gain hands-on experience at DoD facilities at the forefront of innovation and can apply this knowledge to further their educational and professional aspirations.
The DoD’s mission is dependent on a STEM workforce tasked with advancing emerging technologies and shaping the future of national defense capabilities. The HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program reinforces the DoD’s scientific and technological prowess by engaging with the next generation of STEM talent through immersive summer internships. Moreover, the program provides a platform for interns to present their research at symposiums attended by DoD scientists and engineers.
The DoD HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship Program inspires interest in STEM and DoD-relevant education and careers while advancing the DoD’s commitment to developing a diverse, motivated, and highly skilled civilian workforce. Participants engage in research directly relevant to the defense mission under the mentorship of DoD scientists and engineers, conducted in-person at DoD facilities nationwide.
Primary Objectives
- Immerse HBCU/MI students and recent graduates into DoD research initiatives to foster early-career involvement in defense-related STEM and DoD-relevant fields.
- Enhance the visibility and awareness of DoD programs, activities, and career opportunities among HBCU/MI faculty, students, and alumni.
- Provide program participants with comprehensive training, mentorship, and career preparation, ensuring they are well-equipped for successful STEM careers within the DoD.
- Increase the representation of graduates, particularly those from underrepresented minority groups, in STEM disciplines critical to the DoD’s mission.